I just moved to Chicago from Denver and prior to the move I have always had very updated apartments that didn’t need a lot of TLC to make it “happily livable”. I got a good rate on a “vintage” apartment but now I feel like it’s not an exciting place to come home to. It has potential but I don’t know where to start. Has anyone had success making an old apartment feel full of life? I want a single girl sanctuary not a drab place to lay my head.
by ChiLabGal
2 Comments
This space would be 10x more beautiful if they hadn’t simply painted over all the wood trim with white paint. Unfortunately that’s a crime I’ve seen perpetrated in tons of different spaces here in Chicago. That being said, right now your space is just a bit bare which is understandable because you only just moved in – but a huge opportunity for improvement is the lighting. Overhead bright white lights are the worst for a cozy, livable vibe. You need warm lights at different levels – floor level, waist level, eye-level, etc. In the corners, behind plants – get creative. Once you have some warmer not-overhead lighting (lamps, lamps lamps! & HUE bulbs if you are willing to splurge) and more decor (plants, art/textiles on the wall, rugs, tables, bookshelves with books and tchotchkes) it will feel a lot better. Your place has good bones, don’t worry.
To me, it’s often easier to bring life to an older apartment than to a newer one. This place already has so much charm and character, which is a wonderful starting point.
In the bedroom, I would remove the three small pictures above the bed. A pair of nightstands would help frame the bed nicely, and a larger piece of artwork above it would create a stronger focal point.
In the living room, I would introduce a few plants and some wall art to add warmth, texture, and personality to the space.